Australia’s eastern coast is bracing for a tropical storm expected to make landfall on Saturday morning. Thousands of people have been evacuated, and over 230,000 homes are without power.
Initially named Cyclone Alfred, the storm was downgraded to a tropical low, now featuring winds of up to 85 km/h. It is currently off Bribie Island and slowly moving northward, likely to cross between the island and Maroochydore.
Authorities advise people to stay indoors, as heavy rain and flooding are anticipated. Violating these safety warnings could result in fines for anyone visiting beaches.
Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury noted the potential for widespread severe weather, especially concerning rainfall. She mentioned that in the next couple of days, rainfall could easily reach over 200mm as the system moves inland. Flash flooding is a primary concern, with impacts expected to persist throughout the day and into tomorrow.
The storm has already caused flooding, with reports of one person missing in New South Wales after their vehicle was swept away. Currently, about four million residents in Queensland and northern New South Wales are in the storm’s path.
The storm’s slow movement, described by experts as “walking pace,” raises concerns about flash and riverine flooding in low-lying areas. Residents like Stephen Valentine, living in Logan city, are making preparations, filling 30 litres of water, storing food, and creating safe areas in their homes. Valentine expressed unease, saying they haven’t faced something of this magnitude in southern areas before.
While Queensland often encounters cyclones, they rarely reach this far south. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the challenging times but emphasized the resilience of Australians as communities prepare for potential impacts.
Nearly 1,000 schools in the area are closed, public transport is suspended, and flights have been canceled until at least Sunday. The last significant cyclone to hit this region was in 1974.
The local councils have opened sandbag depots to assist residents in protecting their homes, as many gather supplies and prepare. “It’s quiet now, but we know what’s coming,” shared Anthony Singh, who waited for hours to collect sandbags. Fellow resident Mark Clayton coordinated the sandbag efforts, moving over 140 tonnes of sand to help his neighbors.
With many staying indoors and supermarket shelves empty, uncertainty looms as the storm approaches. Yet, some surfers are eagerly awaiting the waves. Surfer Jeff Weatherall shared his excitement for the upcoming surf conditions, saying he has been surfing daily. However, authorities remind everyone that safety should be the top priority during the storm and urge residents to heed warnings seriously.
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